Watch out Mark Messier, here comes Jaromir Jagr

FILE - In this Dec. 19, 2006, file photo, former New York Rangers' Mark Messier smiles towards Jaromir Jagr, left, of the Czech Republic, at Madison Square Garden in New York. Jagr is closing in on become the second all-time leading scorer in NHL history. The 44-year-old Florida Panthers wing is within striking distance of passing Messier, who had 1,887 points from 1979-2004. Mary AltafferASSOCIATED PRESS

FILE - In this Dec. 19, 2006, file photo, former New York Rangers' Mark Messier smiles towards Jaromir Jagr, left, of the Czech Republic, at Madison Square Garden in New York. Jagr is closing in on become the second all-time leading scorer in NHL history. The 44-year-old Florida Panthers wing is within striking distance of passing Messier, who had 1,887 points from 1979-2004. Mary AltafferASSOCIATED PRESS

Mark Messier doesn’t see any signs of Jaromir Jagr slowing down.

The Hall of Fame center said Thursday that he has been waiting for Jagr to pass him on the NHL’s all-time scoring list for some time — and when you count Jagr’s totals playing in Europe, it has already happened.

While Messier had 11 points with the Cincinnati Stingers of the WHA in 1978-79, Jagr notched 146 points in three seasons in the KHL from 2008-11.

Jagr passed the legendary Gordie Howe for third place in NHL scoring last season.

“When I watch Jaromir, when I see him play his shifts, he's still hustling to get the puck,” Messier said. “He is still very powerful on the puck. What it will boil down to, eventually, is what he wants and how he wants to contribute to the team as the team improves. …

“But there doesn't seem to be too many signs of him slowing down at this point.”

Messier said he hoped to be around when Jagr does eventually pass him, which, theoretically could come Friday night in Denver when the Panthers visit the Avs.

Florida returns home from this road trip and plays host to Buffalo on Tuesday. If Jagr doesn’t pass Messier on Friday — he hasn’t had four points in a single game since beating the Panthers 6-3 as a member of the Devils on March 31, 2014 — it will likely come on the Panthers extended five-game homestand.

The Panthers play eight of their next 10 in Sunrise.

“I would like to be there in person, if possible,” Messier said.

“I don't know if it's going to be possible or not, but I will certainly reach out to Jaromir and congratulate him when he does move into second place.”